"Web developer" gets used loosely to describe anyone who works on websites, but the actual job is more specific: turning a design and a set of requirements into a working site that runs reliably in a browser.
The core of the job
Front-end work
Building what visitors see and interact with — layout, navigation, forms, and responsive behavior across devices — using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
Back-end work
Handling what happens behind the scenes — databases, server logic, user accounts, payments, and integrations with other systems — using languages like PHP, or frameworks built on top of them.
Full-stack work
Many developers, myself included, work across both sides — it's common on small to mid-sized projects where a single person handles the whole build.
How it differs from related roles
- Web designer: focuses on layout, visuals, and user experience before any code is written
- Digital marketer: focuses on traffic, content, and conversion, not on building the site itself
- IT support: manages hardware, networks, and internal systems, which is a different skill set from building a website
What this means when you're hiring
Knowing this distinction helps you ask for the right role. If you need visuals decided first, start with a designer. If you already have a design and need it built and made functional, a developer is exactly who you need.
Putting it together
A web developer's job is to make a site actually work — reliably, securely, and as intended — whether that means front-end, back-end, or both. If you have a project that needs exactly that, feel free to get in touch.